Dolly Belt passed away peacefully and gracefully in her home on Sept. 26.

She was 87.

Born on Oct. 3, 1925 in Lubbock, Texas, Belt moved to San Diego when she was six months old. Her family settled in Ocean Beach, where she lived most of her life.

She graduated from Point Loma High School and San Diego State University, married Jude Belt and had two children. While raising her family she became active in the Ocean Beach Elementary PTA, later becoming president. She also became a member of the Eastern Star organization, joining her husband, who was a Mason in the local Masonic Lodge. After raising her family she worked for the San Diego County as a training facilitator, assisting the unemployed in finding employment.

After retiring, she purchased a recreational vehicle and traveled throughout the U.S. Upon returning, she pursued her passion for gardening and got her master gardner’s certificate. Dolly’s garden was locally renowned and flourished from spring through fall. She had a perfusion of brilliant flowers and generously shared bouquets with friends and family.

She loved Ocean Beach, swimming by the pier and was active in the Ocean Beach Historical So-ciety.

Dolly’s spirit of optimism, love, compassion and joy touched most everyone she met. She had a special sparkle and spread her light to so many. She maintained large and varied circles of friends and was a member of the Xzepha’s, a club of women formed while she was in Point Loma High School and to this day meets monthly.

She loved her children fiercely and adored her grandson, Dylan, beyond words. Dolly’s special footprint for spreading her love will be felt on this world for a very long time.